Telephone line management system

ABSTRACT

A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line is provided. In one aspect, the system includes a caller ID module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a received telephone call and a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another aspect, the system includes a caller ID module, a false SIT generator module, and a controller for determining when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed and when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. In other embodiments, the system may include an answering machine module or a telephone module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of copending priorapplication Ser. No. 09/989,644, filed on Nov. 20, 2001, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, thisapplication claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/346,490, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of telephony and more particularly toa telephone line management system. It finds particular application inconjunction with providing various combinations of features related tomanagement of a telephone line and will be described with particularreference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the inventionis also amenable to other applications.

Telemarketing has increased exponentially in recent times. Many peopletargeted by telemarketers do not desire to receive or answer thetelemarketing calls. Thus, it is desirable to provide a method andapparatus that may be used to block telemarketing calls and potentiallyreduce or eliminate future telemarketing calls.

One method for preventing some telemarketing calls is to have yourtelephone number removed from the dialing list of the telemarketer. Thismethod, however, involves effort and is only partially effective becausenew calling lists are constantly generated which reestablish your numberas a target.

Another method to block calls is to simply take your phone off the hookwhen telemarketing calls are undesired. Such a method is undesirablebecause the method does not permit desired calls to be connected andreceived. The method also causes the phone to emit a loud off-hookwarning signal that may annoy the owner of the phone. Instead of leavingthe phone off the hook, a person may use an answering machine or acaller identification (caller ID) device to screen calls. Both of thesemethods are undesirable because some people do not leave messages, andsome numbers cannot be identified by the caller ID device.

In view of these deficiencies, devices have been developed to permitselective blocking of calls. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,388discloses a method and apparatus for selectively blocking incomingcalls. The patent discloses an apparatus that may be programmed toselectively block calls either by time block or by number. The usermust, however, spend time to program the system and remember to activateit when the blocking function is desired. Such steps are generallyundesired due to the effort required by the user. Thus, a method andapparatus that automatically blocks calls placed from a predictivedialing telemarketing system is highly desirable. Further, the methodand apparatus should not require any preprogramming or activation steps.Also, the system must allow desired calls to be connected while stillblocking undesired calls.

To more fully understand the concepts of the present invention, itshould be understood that most large-scale automated telemarketingsystems use predictive or auto-dialers to place the phone calls. Thesedialers obtain a number to be called from a computer database and placethe telemarketing calls for the operator. If a call is connected and alive person responds, the system immediately connects the call to asalesperson, operator, or solicitor who makes a presentation. If theline is unanswered, busy, or answered by an answering machine, thesystem flags the number and returns to the number at a later time andrecalls it. In this manner, the telemarketing system continues to callall programmed numbers until a live person answers. The system also doesnot waste time having the operator place unanswered calls.

In other situations where the called number has been disconnected or isotherwise no longer in service, the automated telemarketing systemremoves the number from its computer database. The computerdifferentiates the status of the number by recognizing specialinformation tones (SITs) used in the U.S. telephone network. The networkuses the SITs to provide information to computers in the network. SITsinclude three precise, sequential tones used to identify recordedannouncements provided for ineffective call attempts in the telephonenetwork. There are seven major SIT types, known as SIT1 through SIT7. Atelemarketing system is designed to maximize outbound calls and maximizecompleted calls. Thus, most quality telemarketing systems are designedto recognize SITs. One of the most common SITs is SIT2 which is theintercept SIT. The intercept SIT is used to describe an uncompleted callattempt due to a nonworking number. The intercept SIT begins with a toneof 913.8 Hz that is played for 274 milliseconds. This tone is followedby a second tone of 1370.6 Hz played for 274 milliseconds and completedwith a third tone at 1776.7 Hz played for 380 milliseconds. When thisSIT is received by a telemarketing system using a predictive dialer, thesystem notes that the number called is non-working and removes it fromits database so that it will not be called again.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,623, commonly assigned to Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.,discloses a method and apparatus for defeating a predictive dialingtelemarketing system. The apparatus includes a signal generator in thenature of an oscillator that is capable of creating a 914 Hz sine wavethat substantially imitates the first tone of an intercept SIT (i.e.,SIT2) used by the telephone network to indicate a nonworking number. Theoscillator signal is amplified by an amplifier. The imitation signal isselectively sent in response to an incoming call when a controllercloses a relay to connect the imitation signal to the telephone line.The controller is prompted to close the relay by an off-hook detectorthat indicates to the controller when a voice signal is established. Inaddition to this embodiment, the '623 patent contemplated the capabilityto create any of the known SIT sequences in full or in part. The deviceproduced in conjunction with the '623 patent was powered using aconventional a.c. utility power adapter.

Devices capable of displaying caller ID information are increasinglycommon. In fact, caller ID services are one of a group ofnetwork-provided enhanced services known as custom local area signalingservices (CLASS). Telecordia Technologies, Inc., Morristown, N.J.,originally Bellcore, has defined three classes of caller ID services,known respectively as Type I, Type II, and Type III.

In the Type I service, a device for displaying caller ID information isequipped with a Frequency Shift Key (FSK) detector, a controller, and adisplay. When a call is placed to the phone, a Stored Program ControlSystem (SPCS) server situated within the Public Switched TelephoneNetwork (PSTN) activates a corresponding FSK generator also situatedwithin the PSTN to transmit a FSK signal encoding the caller IDinformation over the telephone line. At the device for displaying callerID information, when a first ring is detected, the controller enablesthe FSK detector, which listens for an FSK signal. If an FSK signal isdetected before the second ring, it is demodulated to obtain the callerID information. That information is then displayed. If, however, the FSKsignal is not detected before the second ring, the FSK detector isdisabled.

In the Type II or Type III service, a device for displaying caller IDinformation is also equipped with a Customer Premises Equipment AlertingSignal (CAS) detector. When a call is received on the telephone line,the SPCS server first determines if the telephone line is in an on-hookor off-hook condition. In the on-hook condition, the procedure describedfor the Type I category of service is followed. In the off-hookcondition, a call waiting/caller ID service is provided in which theserver first activates a corresponding CAS generator situated within thePSTN to generate and transmit a CAS signal to the phone. The CASdetector at the device for displaying caller ID information, which hasbeen previously enabled by the controller upon the occurrence of theoff-hook condition, listens for the CAS signal. Upon detecting the CASsignal, the controller mutes the audio channel to other devicesconnected to the telephone line, and sends a Dual Tone Multi-Frequency(DTMF) tone, which serves as an acknowledgement signal. In the case of aType II unit, the acknowledgement signal is a DTMF ‘D’ tone; in the caseof a Type III unit, the acknowledgement signal is a DTMF ‘A’ tone.Muting of the audio channel is required since the FSK signal in oneimplementation is transmitted at a range of frequencies, 500-2500 Hz,which is within the range of audio perception by humans.

The controller then enables the FSK detector, which listens for an FSKsignal. If a FSK signal is detected before a predetermined timeoutperiod, the FSK signal is demodulated and the caller ID informationobtained and displayed. If there is a timeout before the FSK signal isdetected, the controller un-mutes the audio channel, and resumeslistening for a CAS signal.

Notably, no device currently combines a feature of sending a false SITover a telephone line with displaying caller ID information. It isdesirable to provide a device that includes the features of sending afalse SIT over a telephone line while displaying caller ID information.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Thus, there is a particular need for device that combines the feature ofsending a false SIT over a telephone line with displaying caller IDinformation. The invention contemplates such a device that overcomes atleast one of the above-mentioned problems and others.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus in communication with atelephone line is provided. The apparatus includes a calleridentification (caller ID) module operatively coupled to the telephoneline for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of acalling party associated with a telephone call received over thetelephone line and a false special information tone (SIT) generatormodule operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a falsesignal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a firstpart of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call.

In another aspect of the invention, a communications device incommunication with a telephone line is provided. The communicationsdevice includes a caller ID module operatively connected to thetelephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephonenumber of a calling party associated with a telephone call received overthe telephone line, a false SIT generator module operatively connectedto the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone linesubstantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response toan incoming telephone call, and a controller in communication with thecaller ID module and the false SIT generator module, wherein thecontroller controls the caller ID module and determines when the nameand telephone number of a calling party is displayed, wherein thecontroller also controls the false SIT generator module and determineswhen the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line. Inan alternate embodiment, the communications device includes a caller IDmodule, a false SIT generator module, a first controller incommunication with the caller ID module, and a second controller incommunication with the false SIT generator module.

In still another aspect of the invention, a telephone line managementsystem in communication with a telephone line is provided. The telephoneline management system includes a caller ID module operatively connectedto the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and atelephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone callreceived over the telephone line and a false SIT generator moduleoperatively connected to the telephone line for sending a false signalon a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of aSIT in response to an incoming telephone call. In another embodiment,the telephone line management system may alternatively include ananswering machine module operatively connected to the telephone line forsending an outgoing audio message on the telephone line and forrecording an incoming audio message from the calling party or atelephone module operatively connected to the telephone line foranswering an incoming telephone call on the telephone line and forcommunicating with the calling party.

One advantage of the present invention is that features of sending afalse SIT over a telephone line and displaying caller ID information arecombined in one device.

Still further features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading andunderstanding the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail in conjunction with a set ofaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telephone line management system in anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a telephone line management system in anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a housing associated with various embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a housing associated with various embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system in an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a false system information tone (SIT)generator associated with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of caller identification (caller ID) moduleassociated with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an environmental information monitorassociated with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system in another embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is described in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, the drawings are for purposes of illustrating exemplaryembodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting theinvention to such embodiments. It is understood that the invention maytake form in various components and arrangement of components and invarious steps and arrangement of steps beyond those provided in thedrawings and associated description. Within the drawings, like referencenumerals denote like elements. Like reference numerals annotated with aprime symbol (′) or a double prime symbol (″) denote elements insubsequent embodiments that are like or similar to the reference numeralin a first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a telephone line managementsystem 10 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 is operativelyconnected to a standard telephone line 12. The system 10 includes afalse system information tone (SIT) generator 14, a calleridentification (caller ID) module 16, a power distribution system 18, adisplay 20, and one or more controls 22. The false SIT generator 14 andcaller ID module 16 are described in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the display 20 and control(s) 22 are attached toa housing 23. The false SIT generator 14, caller ID module 16, and powerdistribution system 18 are installed in the housing 23. The housing 23may be of any size and shape suitable for attachment and installation ofthese items.

The power distribution system 18 shown in FIG. 1 may be based onstandard utility power, battery power, telephone line power, or variouscombinations thereof. The power distribution system 18 provides therequired electrical power to the false SIT generator 14, caller IDmodule 16, display 20, and control(s) 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display 20 may be a liquid crystal display(LCD). Alternatively, the display 20 may be a matrix display, flatscreen display, or any type of display suitable for providing a desiredcombination of information. The display 20 may provide variousinformation. For example, a current date 201, a telephone line signalstrength indication 202, a current time 203, a name of a calling party204, a telephone number of the calling party 205, and a new messagewaiting indication 206 may be displayed. Additional or alternativeinformation may also be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control(s) 22 may include six pushbuttonswitches. The control(s) 22 are operated by a user to control thetelephone line management system 10. There can be more or less controlsdepending on various control schemes. For example, a menu driven controlscheme may require as few as one or two controls, while a non-menuscheme may require more controls. There can also be additional oralternate types of controls (e.g., toggle switches, slide switches,momentary or latching switches, selector switches, or potentiometers).The control(s) 22 may be used to select modes of operation for the falseSIT generator 14 and caller ID module 16. The control(s) 22 may also beused to advance forward and backward through multiple names andtelephone numbers of prior calling parties.

As shown in FIG. 4, the telephone line management system 10 may includethree external connections. For example, a telephone line in connector231, a telephone line out connector 232, and a power line connector 233.RJ11 connectors or any other type of telephone connector may be used forthe line in and line out connectors 231, 232. Additional or alternateconnectors may be included in the system 10. For example, the power lineconnector 233 may be unnecessary if telephone line power is used tooperate the system 10.

The embodiment of the telephone line management system 10 in FIGS. 1-4may provide a large readable display with back-lighting for darksituations. The system 10 virtually stops telemarketers with the falseSIT generator. In addition, the system 10 tells you who is callingbefore you answer a telephone call (i.e., Type I caller ID) and may alsotell you who is calling when you are already using the telephone line(i.e., Type II or Type III caller ID). The system 10 also connects tostandard telephone jacks and standard utility electrical power.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a telephone linemanagement and environmental information monitoring system 100 isprovided. As shown in FIG. 5, the system 100 is operatively connected toa standard telephone line 12. The system 100 includes a false SITgenerator 14, a caller ID module 16, an environmental informationmonitor 24, a power distribution system 18′, a display 20′, and one ormore controls 22. The system 100 may include and communicate withvarious combinations of remote devices. For example, an indoortemperature sensor 26, an outdoor temperature sensor 28, a fire/smokesensor 30, a carbon monoxide sensor 32, a garage door open sensor 34, agarage door interrupted sensor 36, a door bell sensor 38, and a localpager 40. Communications between the system 100 and the remote devicesmay be via radio frequency (RF) communications, infrared communications,laser communications, or other communications techniques suitable forthe desired environmental characteristic to be sensed and suitable forcompatible sensors. The false SIT generator 14, caller ID module 16, andenvironmental information monitor 24 are described in more detail belowwith respect to FIGS. 7-9, respectively. The control(s) 22 are asdescribed above for control(s) in the telephone line management system10 of FIGS. 1-4.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display 20′ and control(s) 22 of the telephoneline management and environmental information monitoring system 100 areattached to a housing 23′. The false SIT generator 14, caller ID module16, environmental information monitor 24, and power distribution system18′ are installed in the housing 23′. The housing 23′ may be of any sizeand shape suitable for attachment and installation of these items.

The power distribution system 18′ in the telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system 100 of FIG. 5 is generallyas described above for the power distribution system 18 in the telephoneline management system 10 of FIG. 1. In addition, the power distributionsystem 18′ provides the required electrical power to the environmentalinformation monitor 24.

The display 20′ in the telephone line management and environmentalinformation monitoring system 100 of FIG. 6 is generally as describedabove for the display 20 in the telephone line management system 10 ofFIG. 2. The display 20′ may provide a variety of information. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, a current indoor temperature 207, a currentoutdoor temperature 208, a telephone ringing indication 209, a carbonmonoxide alert 210, a doorbell ringing indication 211, a fire/smokealert 212, a garage door open indication 213, and a garage door noperation interrupted indication may be displayed. Additional oralternative information may also be displayed, including the exampleslisted above for the display 20 of the telephone line management system10 in FIG. 2.

The embodiment of the telephone line management and environmentalinformation monitoring system 100 in FIGS. 5 and 6 may provide a largereadable display with back-lighting for dark situations. The system 100includes an environmental information monitor 24 that operates inconjunction with other remote devices to provide, for example, a carbonmonoxide detector alert, a fire/smoke detector alert, an inside/outsidetemperature, a garage door open indicator, a garage door interruptedindicator, a doorbell ringing indicator, and a telephone ringingindicator. The system 100 may also include a pager that connects to theenvironmental information monitor 24 for around the house freedom. Inaddition, the system 100 virtually stops telemarketers with the falseSIT generator. The system 100 also tells you who is calling before youanswer a telephone call (i.e., Type I caller ID) and may also tell youwho is calling when you are already using the telephone line (i.e., TypeII or Type III caller ID). Additionally, the system 100 connects tostandard telephone jacks and standard utility electrical power.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a false SIT generator 14 isprovided. In general, the false SIT generator 14 imitates a telephoneSIT by sending a false signal over the telephone line when a deviceplaces the telephone line in an off hook condition. SITs are sine wavesignals that are sent at a predetermined frequency for a predeterminedduration. The frequencies and durations of the SITs are generally knownin the art and may be obtained from numerous sources including, forexample, the Audichron Operator's Manual 0M10-0022. The apparatus of thepresent invention has the capability of playing any one of the sevenmajor SIT sequences (i.e., SIT1, SIT2, SIT3, SIT4, SIT5, SIT6, and SIT7)in full or a portion thereof depending on user selection. SITs are threeprecise, sequential tones used to identify certain conditions related toineffective call attempts in the telephone network.

The false SIT generator 14 has the capability to generate a false signalsubstantially similar to the first tone, first and second tone, or allthree tones of any one of the seven major SITs depending on userselection. This is particularly useful because many telemarketingsystems will, in the interest of conserving time, determine that a fullSIT2 sequence has been received after the first tone in that sequencehas been detected. Thus, it may only be necessary to send the first tonein the sequence. As such, a predictive dialing telemarketing system issaid to be “defeated” because the false signal will cause thetelemarketing system to immediately disconnect the call and remove thenumber from its database. Additional telemarketing systems that requirethe first and second tones or all three tones to determine that a fullSIT2 sequence has been received may be defeated by selecting two- orthree-tone operation.

As shown in FIG. 7, the false SIT generator 14 includes a controller141, an off-hook detector 142, a programmable oscillator 143, anamplifier 144, and a buffer/interface 145. The false SIT generator 14 isoperatively connected to a standard telephone line 12. As shown in FIGS.1, 5, and 10, the false SIT generator 14 may be electrically connectedto a caller ID module 16, an environmental information monitor 24, amodem 44, an answering machine 46, and a telephone 48. The false SITgenerator 14 may be used in conjunction with any combination of thesedevices and other devices compatible with the standard telephone line12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 10 and as described above, the false SITgenerator 14 receives electrical power from the power distributionsystem 18, 18′, 18″.

The controller 141 receives and processes information from thecontrol(s) 22 according to programmed instructions. The control(s) 22may permit a user to select one of multiple SITs and one of multiplemodes of operation for generation of the false signal. For example, ifseven SITs are identified as SIT1, SIT2, SIT3, SIT4, SIT5, SIT6, andSIT7 and three modes of operation are identified based on the generationof one-part, two-part, and three-part tone sequences with respect to theselected SIT, the user may select one of the seven SITs and one of thethree modes of operation.

The controller 141 is also in communication with the off-hook detector142, which in turn is in communication with the telephone line 12. Theprogrammable oscillator 143 is capable of creating false signals thatsuccessfully imitate SITs under control of the controller 141. Thecontroller 141 programs the programmable oscillator 143 based onSIT/mode selection by the user using the control(s) 22. When theoff-hook detector 142 detects that a device has responded to a telephonecall by placing the telephone line 12 in an off-hook condition, thecontroller 141 causes the programmable oscillator 143 to generate thefalse signal. For example, if the user selects SIT2 and one-part toneoperation, the programmable oscillator 143 generates a 913.8 Hz sinewave for 274 ms. This signal is substantially the first portion of anintercept SIT (SIT2) which is used by the telephone network to indicatea non-working number. Alternatively, if the user selects SIT2 andthree-part tone operation, the programmable oscillator 143 generates a913.8 Hz sine wave for 274 ms, followed by a 1370.6 Hz sine wave for 274ms, followed by a 1776.7 Hz sine wave for 380 ms.

In general, the false SIT generator 14 functions by sending an imitationSIT into the telephone line 12 when a telephone, answering machine, orother type of user device places the telephone line in an off-hookcondition. This is accomplished after the off-hook detector 142 detectsthat the telephone line is in the off-hook condition. The controller 141receives the signal from the off-hook detector 142 and takes the stepsor performs the functions necessary to send the signal produced by theprogrammable oscillator 143 to the telephone line 12. By doing so, mostpredictive dialing telemarketing systems calling the number will receivethe SIT (e.g., SIT2) and disconnect or terminate the call, and thus bedefeated.

As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 141 sends the false signal imitatinga SIT or a portion thereof to the telephone line 12 by activating abuffer/interface 145 that connects the signal directly to the telephoneline 12. The programmable controller 143 is connected to an amplifier144 such that the false signal produced by the programmable controller143 may be amplified to a level that imitates the SITs used by thetelephone network. The amplified false signal then is buffered andconditioned by the buffer/interface 145 before it is sent to thetelephone line 12 so that the false SIT generator 14 conforms with allFCC and telephone system regulations. As shown, the controller 141controls both the programmable controller 143 and the buffer/interface145 based on SIT/mode selection by the user and the condition of theoff-hook detector 142 and connects the false signal to the telephoneline 12 after a device places the telephone line 12 in an off-hookcondition. In another embodiment of the false SIT generator 14, thecontroller 141 may accomplish the desired function by controlling theprogrammable oscillator 143 without directly controlling thebuffer/interface 145. In a further embodiment, the system (e.g., 10,100, 101) may be adapted to answer an incoming call, thereby effectivelydetecting that the telephone line is in an off-hook condition.

Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a caller ID module 16 is provided.The caller ID module 16 includes a controller 161, a caller ID circuit162, a caller ID storage area 163, and a new caller ID flag storage area164. The caller ID module 16 is operatively connected to a standardtelephone line 12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 10, the caller ID module16, may be electrically connected to a false SIT generator 14, anenvironmental information monitor 24, a modem 44, an answering machine46, and a telephone 48. The caller ID module 16 may be used inconjunction with any combination of these devices and other devicescompatible with the standard telephone line 12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5,and 10 and as described above, the caller ID module 16 receiveselectrical power from the power distribution system 18, 18′, 18″.

When an incoming call is received on the telephone line 12, thecontroller 161 receives a name and a telephone number of the callingparty from the caller ID circuit 162. The controller 162 stores the nameand telephone number of the current calling party in the caller IDstorage area 163, illuminates the name 204 and telephone number 205 onthe display 20, 20′, 20″, sets the flag in the new caller ID flagstorage area 164, and routes a new message waiting indication 206 to thedisplay 20, 20′, 20″. The caller ID storage area 163 can storeinformation for a predetermined number of calls. The user can revieweach call stored in the caller ID storage area 163 on the display 20,20′, 20″ using the control(s) 22. If the calls stored in the caller IDstorage area 163 have all been reviewed by the user, the new caller IDflag storage area 164 is reset and the new message waiting indication206 on the display 20, 20′, 20″ is extinguished.

Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of an environmental informationmonitor 24 is provided. The environmental information monitor 24includes a controller 241, a telephone ringing sensor 242, a transceiver243, and an antenna 244. The environmental information monitor 24 isoperatively connected to a standard telephone line 12. As shown in FIGS.5 and 10, the environmental information monitor 24, may be electricallyconnected to a false SIT generator 14, a caller ID module 16, a modem44, an answering machine 46, and a telephone 48. The environmentalinformation monitor 24 may be used in conjunction with any combinationof these devices and other devices compatible with the standardtelephone line 12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 and as described above,the caller ID module 16 receives electrical power from the powerdistribution system 18′, 18″.

When an incoming call is received on the telephone line 12, thecontroller 241 receives a signal from the telephone ringing sensor 242indicating that the call is ringing. In response, the controller 241routes a telephone ringing indication 209 to the display 20′, 20″.

In addition, the environmental information monitor 24 may be used inconjunction with various combinations of remote devices. The remotedevice may be a sensor or a local pager 40. Each remote device, similarto the environmental information monitor 24, includes a transmitter, areceiver, or a combination transmitter/receiver (i.e., a transceiver)and an antenna. Remote sensors include a sensing device that detects acertain predetermined condition within the environment of theenvironmental information monitor 24. When the predetermined conditionis detected, the sensor transmits a signal to the environmentalinformation monitor 24 via its transmitter and antenna. When a signal isreceived from a remote sensor, the controller 241 routes an appropriateindication to the display 20′, 20″.

For example, when a fire/smoke sensor 30 detects fire or smoke, ittransmits a signal to the environmental information monitor 24 via itstransmitter and antenna. When the signal is received from the fire/smokesensor 30, the controller 241 routes a fire/smoke alert 212 to thedisplay 20′, 20″.

Upon receiving signals from one or more predetermined remote sensors(e.g., fire/smoke alert 212, carbon monoxide alert 210, etc.), thecontroller 241 may also send a signal to the local pager 40 to providethe user notice of such a condition. When the local pager 40 receivesthe signal, it may annunciate or vibrate to get the user's attention andit may display a message to the user indicating that such a conditionexists. The message may contain various levels of detail.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a telephone line managementand environmental information monitoring system 101 is provided. Thesystem 101 is operatively connected to a standard telephone line 12. Thesystem 101 includes a false SIT generator 14, a caller ID module 16, anenvironmental information monitor 24, a modem 44, an answering machine46, a telephone 48, a power distribution system 18″, a display 20″, andone or more controls 22. In an alternate embodiment, the system 101 maycommunicate with the telephone system via wireless cellular, wirelesssatellite, or similar communications rather than the telephone line 12using the modem 44 or telephone 48.

Like the telephone line management and environmental informationmonitoring system 101 of FIG. 5, the system 101 may include andcommunicate with various combinations of remote devices. For example,the system 101 may communication with any of the examples of remotedevices shown in FIG. 5 (i.e., an indoor temperature sensor 26, anoutdoor temperature sensor 28, a fire/smoke sensor 30, a carbon monoxidesensor 32, a garage door open sensor 34, a garage door interruptedsensor 36, a door bell sensor 38, and a local pager 40). In addition,the system 101 may also or alternatively communication with other remotedevices. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a personal communicationdevice 42, a garage security sensor(s) 50, and a home security system52.

Like the telephone line management and environmental informationmonitoring system 101 of FIG. 5, communications between the system 101and the remote devices may be via radio frequency (RF) communications,infrared communications, laser communications, or other communicationstechniques suitable for the desired environmental characteristic to besensed and compatible sensors. However, in addition, the system 101 maybe able to communicate with the personal communication device 42 via themodem 44 using the telephone line 12. Furthermore, the system 101 may beable to communicate with the personal communication device 42 over thetelephone line 12 using dual tone multifrequency tone (DTMF) signaling.As such, the personal communication device 42 may be a pager, telephone,or similar device that communicates via wireless cellular, wirelesssatellite, or similar communications.

The false SIT generator 14, caller ID module 16, and environmentalinformation monitor 24 are described in more detail above with respectto FIGS. 7-9, respectively. The control(s) 22 are as described above forthe telephone line management system 10 of FIGS. 1-4.

The display 20″ and control(s) 22 of the telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system 101 are attached to ahousing 23″. The false SIT generator 14, caller ID module 16,environmental information monitor 24, modem 44, answering machine 46,telephone 48, and power distribution system 18″ may be installed in thehousing 23″ or in an additional housing(s). The housings may be of anysize and shape suitable for attachment and installation of these items.

The power distribution system 18″ in the telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system 101 of FIG. 10 is generallyas described above for the power distribution system 18″ in thetelephone line management and environmental information monitoringsystem 100 of FIG. 5. In addition, the power distribution system 18″provides the required electrical power to the modem 44, answeringmachine 46, and telephone 48.

The display 20″ in the telephone line management and environmentalinformation monitoring system 101 of FIG. 10 is generally as describedabove for the display 20′ in the telephone line management andenvironmental information monitoring system 100 of FIG. 5. The display20″ may provide a variety of information. For example, a garage securityalert and a home security alert may be displayed. Additional oralternative information may also be displayed, including the exampleslisted above for the display 20 of the telephone line management system10 in FIG. 2 and the examples listed above for the display 20′ of thetelephone line management and environmental information monitoringsystem 100 in FIG. 6.

As described above in reference to FIGS. 7-9, each of the false SITgenerator 14, caller ID module 16, and environmental informationmonitors 24 include a controller 141, 161, 241, respectively. It isunderstood that, within a system 10, 100, 101, any combination of thesecontrollers may communicate with each other in a cooperativearrangement, master-slave arrangement, or in an arrangement that dividessystem processing in any manner suitable to accomplish the intendedfeatures of the system 10, 100, 101. Alternatively, the false SITgenerator 14, caller ID module 16, and environmental informationmonitors 24 may share controllers in any combination between themselvesor with one or more of the modem 44, answering machine 46, telephone 48,or other devices compatible with the standard telephone line 12. Ifcontrollers are shared, one or more controllers may be eliminated fromthe sharing devices. The shared controller may be located in any one ofthe sharing devices or in a separate module.

While the invention is described herein in conjunction with exemplaryembodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the embodiment of the invention in the preceding description areintended to be illustrative, rather than limiting, of the spirit andscope of the invention. More specifically, it is intended that theinvention embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of theexemplary embodiments described herein that fall within the spirit andscope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a caller identification (caller ID) module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone call on the telephone line; and, a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for automatically sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call when the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition by another device distinct from the SIT generator module and the caller ID module, said device placing the telephone line in the off-hook condition, wherein the false SIT generator module is electrically connected to the call ID module in the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the caller identification (caller ID) module provides a caller ID service selected from a group of services consisting of a Type I caller ID service, a Type II caller ID service, and a Type III caller ID service.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, the false special information tone (SIT) generator module, comprising: a programmable oscillator for selectably generating the false signal; and, a controller operationally coupled to the telephone line and in communication with the programmable oscillator, wherein the controller controls the programmable oscillator and determines when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to a special information tone 2 (SIT2).
 5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to at least a first part and a second part of a special information tone (SIT).
 6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to a first part, a second part, and a third part of a special information tone (SIT).
 7. The apparatus according to claim 3, further including a mode selection member for selecting a mode of operation for the apparatus from a group of modes comprising a one-part false signal generation mode, a two-part false signal generation mode, and a three-part false signal generation mode.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: the mode selection member selects the one-part false signal generation mode; and, the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to a first part of a special information tone (SIT).
 9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: the mode selection member selects the two-part false signal generation mode; and, the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to a first part and a second part of a special information tone (SIT).
 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: the mode selection member selects the three-part false signal generation mode; and, the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to a first part, a second part, and a third part of a special information tone (SIT).
 11. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the programmable oscillator selectably generates a false signal selected from a group of multiple false signals, each false signal associated with a special information tone (SIT) selected from a group of multiple SITs.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further including: a special information tone (SIT) selection member for selecting the SIT from the group of multiple SITs and the associated false signal from the group of multiple false signals to be generated by the programmable oscillator.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the group of multiple special information tones (SITs) includes at least two SITs selected from a group of SITs comprising SIT1, SIT2, SIT3, SIT4, SIT5, SIT6, and SIT7.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 3, further including: a buffer/interface member selectably in communication with the telephone line for receiving the false signal created by the programmable oscillator and routing the false signal to the telephone line in response to a control signal from the controller.
 15. A communications device in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a caller identification (caller ID) module operatively connected to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone call on the telephone line; a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively connected to the telephone line for automatically sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call when the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition by another device distinct from the SIT generator module and the caller ID module, said device placing the telephone line in the off-hook condition; and, a controller in communication with the caller ID module and the false SIT generator module, wherein the controller controls the caller ID module and determines when the name and telephone number of a calling party is displayed, wherein the controller also controls the false SIT generator module and determines when the false signal is operationally coupled to the telephone line.
 16. The communications device according to claim 15, the caller identification (caller ID) module comprising: a caller ID circuit operatively coupled to the telephone line and in communication with the controller for receiving the name and the telephone number of the calling party over the telephone line; and a caller ID storage area in communication with the controller for storing the name and telephone number of the calling party for the call.
 17. The communications device according to claim 16, the caller identification (caller ID) module further comprising: a first display in communication with the controller for displaying a stored name and telephone number for the call; and, a new caller ID flag storage area in communication with the controller for storing a new caller ID flag indicating whether or not a name and telephone number is stored in the caller ID storage area that has not been reviewed by a user; a second display in communication with the controller for displaying a caller ID message indicator when the new caller ID flag is set indicating that a stored name and telephone number has not been reviewed by the user on the first display; and, a control in communication with the controller for acknowledging that a displayed name and telephone number has been reviewed by the user.
 18. The communications device according to claim 17, wherein the caller identification (caller ID) storage area stores a name and a telephone number for a predetermined number of calls; and, wherein activating the control acknowledges that the displayed name and telephone number has been reviewed by the user and the controller displays a next stored name and telephone number on the first display.
 19. A telephone line management system in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a caller identification (caller ID) module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone call received over the telephone line; and, a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively connected to the telephone line for automatically sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call when the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition by another device distinct from the SIT generator module and the caller ID module, said device placing the telephone line in the off-hook condition, wherein the false SIT generator module is electrically connected to the call ID module in the apparatus.
 20. The telephone line management system according to claim 19, further comprising: an answering machine module operatively connected to the telephone line for sending an outgoing audio message on the telephone line and for recording an incoming audio message from the calling party, wherein the answering machine places the telephone line in the off-hook condition.
 21. The telephone line management system according to claim 19, further comprising: a telephone module operatively connected to the telephone line for answering an incoming telephone call on the telephone line and for communicating with the calling party, wherein the telephone module places the telephone line in the off-hook condition.
 22. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a caller identification (caller ID) module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone call on the telephone line; and, a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for automatically sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call when the telephone line is placed in an off-hook condition by another device distinct from the SIT generator module and the caller ID module without terminating the incoming telephone call, said device placing the telephone line in the off-hook condition, wherein the false SIT generator module is electrically connected to the call ID module in the apparatus.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the false SIT generator selectably generates the false signal and the false signal is substantially similar to at least a first part and a second part of a special information tone (SIT).
 24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the false SIT generator selectably generates the false signal and the false signal is substantially similar to a first part, a second part, and a third part of a special information tone (SIT).
 25. The apparatus according to claim 22, further including a mode selection member for selecting a mode of operation for the apparatus from a group of modes comprising a one-part false signal generation mode, a two-part false signal generation mode, and a three-part false signal generation mode.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein: the mode selection member selects the one-part false signal generation mode; and, the false SIT generator selectably generates the false signal and the false signal is substantially similar to a first part of a special information tone (SIT).
 27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein: the mode selection member selects the two-part false signal generation mode; and, the false SIT generator selectably generates the false signal and the false signal is substantially similar to a first part and a second part of a special information tone (SIT).
 28. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein: the mode selection member selects the three-part false signal generation mode; and, the false SIT generator selectably generates a false signal substantially similar to a first part, a second part, and a third part of a special information tone (SIT).
 29. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the false SIT generator selectably generates the false signal and the false signal is selected from a group of multiple false signals, each false signal associated with a special information tone (SIT) selected from a group of multiple SITs.
 30. The apparatus according to claim 29, further including: a special information tone (SIT) selection member for selecting the SIT from the group of multiple SITs and the associated false signal from the group of multiple false signals to be generated by the false SIT generator.
 31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the group of multiple special information tones (SITs) includes at least two SITs selected from a group of SITs comprising SIT1, SIT2, SIT3, SIT4, SIT5, SIT6, and SIT7.
 32. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a caller identification (caller ID) module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone call on the telephone line; a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call; and, a mode selection member for selecting a mode of operation for the apparatus from a group of modes comprising a one-part false signal generation mode, a two-part false signal generation mode, and a three-part false signal generation mode.
 33. An apparatus in communication with a telephone line, comprising: a caller identification (caller ID) module operatively coupled to the telephone line for receiving and displaying a name and a telephone number of a calling party associated with a telephone call on the telephone line; a false special information tone (SIT) generator module operatively coupled to the telephone line for sending a false signal on a telephone line substantially similar to at least a first part of a SIT in response to an incoming telephone call; wherein the false SIT generator generates the false signal and the false signal is selected from a group of multiple false signals, each false signal associated with a SIT selected from a group of multiple SITs; and, a SIT selection member for selecting the SIT from the group of multiple SITs and the associated false signal from the group of multiple false signals to be generated by the false SIT generator. 